Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Oedema (swelling), is a normal part of the healing process that occurs after every injury and surgical procedure. It is important to reduce this swelling as it can reduce your wrist and hand movement.
How to reduce oedema
1. Elevation
Keep the hand elevated as much as possible, ideally above the level of your heart. This will allow gravity to drain the swelling away. Elevating the hand can be done by propping the arm on a pillow or cushion, or resting it on your shoulder whilst you are moving around.
2. Movement
Moving the hand encourages a natural pumping action which can decrease the swelling. You can achieve this by fully straightening your fingers then making a fist repetitively. Your therapist will advise you if this is appropriate for you.
3. Contrast baths
This works by encouraging a pumping action in the small blood vessels of the hand which helps move swelling out of the hand.
Method, place two bowls of water in front of you, one with icy cold water and the other with warm water. Soak the hand in the cold water for one minute whilst making a fist and releasing then place your hand in the warm water for one minute; repeat 5-8 times. It is not suitable to contrast bath if you have open wounds or circulatory problems.
4. Massage
Position your hand higher than your elbow, use sweeping downward strokes working from your fingertips towards your forearm. Use cream to aid the massage.
5. Compression
A compression bandage, called Coban, or a glove can be used to reduce swelling in the fingers or hand by gently squeezing the fluid out and back into the normal blood circulation
How to use Coban
Leaving your fingertip free, start at the end of your finger or thumb and wind the Coban wrap down the digit in a spiral until you reach the base. The wrap should not be stretched and will stick to itself to secure.
Precautions using Coban
- Check your finger regularly for any signs of circulation problems. The finger tip should not change to a darker colour or white.
- Do not apply Coban to an open wound.
- Discontinue if an allergic reaction occurs, you experience increased swelling, you develop pins and needles or numbness occurs.
Contact Details
If you have any concerns, or need to change your Hand Therapy appointment, please contact the Therapy Department on:
Frimley Park Hospital: 0300 613 3396
Heatherwood Hospital: 0300 614 0540 Option 3
Wexham Park Hospital: 0300 614 0540 Option 2
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Hand therapy service.
About this information
Service:
Hand therapy
Reference:
UU/023
Approval date:
19 February 2026
Review date:
1 February 2029
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.